How to Speed up a Computer

Computers require maintenance to run optimally.

When computers get bogged down with numerous applications and files, performance is affected negatively. The same thing happens if your computer is infected with a virus, spyware or malware. If it seems to take forever just to start up your computer or to move between applications, you can take steps to speed it up.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Software
• Resources

Instructions

1. Check your cable or DSL connection using an online speed test, such as Speedtest.net, Bandwidth Place (bandwidthplace.com) or McAfee (promos.mcafee.com/speedometer). Your computer may not be the problem. If you find that your Internet speed is slower than what you're paying for, contact your Internet Service Provider or phone company immediately.

2. Delete some programs from the computer's Desktop, Start menu and task bar. To do this, right-click the software icon and then press the "Delete" key. The software is still on the hard drive, but you only need one shortcut for each program. Duplicate icons will impede your computer speed.

3. Install and run antivirus software and a spyware and/or malware checker. Spyware, malware and viruses will impede the computer speed for all applications. Download Microsoft Security Essentials for free from Microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials and scan your computer. Delete any infected files the program finds.

4. Check your firewall. Some spyware and viruses disable the firewall. Click "Start" and then "Control Panel." Click "Security" and then the "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" link to see if your firewall is on. If it's not, click the radio button to turn it on.

5. Run Disk Defragmenter. This program cleans up your hard drive and removes gaps in the storage space to optimize it and speed performance. Click "Start" and type "disk defragmenter" in the search box. Click "Disk Defragmenter" in the list of results. Click "Defragment now," which could take several hours. You also have the option to schedule Disk Defragmenter to run at scheduled times.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows Vista is surprisingly slow, especially if you have under 2GB of RAM (memory). Check what your system is loaded with by looking on the sticker or contacting the manufacturer.

• Do not click popups telling you that your computer is infected or that Windows Security is not functioning properly. Those are malware programs.

References

• Microsoft at Work: How to Make a Computer Faster - 6 Ways to Speed Up Your PC;